25 local restaurants to try in 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

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You’ve tried everything on the menu and the server knows you better than your own mother. Or perhaps you haven’t gone out to eat since the baby was born — and that was 17 months ago. Or maybe you just like be on the cutting edge of trying new things.

Whatever the reason here are 25 restaurants to try in 2014. From upcoming Downtown brunch spots to recently opened comfort food cafeterias, there’s plenty to catch up on and look forward to. All you have to do is decide where to go first.

The North End, opening in May

At this new venture by Late Harvest Kitchen Chef Ryan Nelson, guests can expect the same warm environment but this time celebrating American regional barbecue, from Carolina pulled pork to Memphis dry rubs made with locally raised beef and pork with classic side dishes made daily. Also featuring a large bar featuring local beer on draft and an extensive bourbon list.

1300 E. 86th St.

Union 50, opening in June

This restaurant is brought to you from the group behind Mass Ave’s Mesh and Bru Burger Bar as well as multiple Stone Creek restaurants. The chef-driven eatery will be in a building that was built in 1950 and served as a union hall. Soon, it will transform into a dinner-only restaurant with late-night eats and live music.

Pullien's City Cafeteria, open since December

Friend okra and collard greens aren’t foods generally found on menus in Noblesville, but people are flocking to Pullien’s for cafeteria-style soul food such as chicken livers and chicken and noodles with specials changing daily. The restaurant also plans to add a delivery service and breakfast items late spring.

Liberty Street, opening in spring

Things are starting to shape up in the soon-to-open pub in the space formerly occupied by Yats on Massachusetts Ave. We’re looking forward to posting up at the mahogany bar with a Prohibition-era cocktail.

Thunderbird, open since February

The new Fountain Square restaurant is already making a name for itself among local foodies — particularly those with a taste for Southern fare. Think spicy mac and cheese, biscuits and duck neck gravy, crispy hominy and more.

Pizzology on Mass Ave., opening in May

Chef Neal Brown is expanding his popular Carmel pizza joint with a second location, this one in the former Aesop’s Tables space. We’re already dreaming of summer nights eating a margherita pizza on the patio.

Rail Epicurean Market, opening late March

In addition to local and artisan pastries, soups, sandwiches, coffee and grocery items, this Epicurean market operating in a 150 year-old barn will offer reservation-only, pre-fixe monthly dinners. If you need more convincing, you can have a glass of wine and shop for groceries at the same time.

Tucano's Brazilian Grill, opening in March

Located in Hamilton Town Center, Tucano’s will bring you fresh grilled meat and vegetables directly to your table in an all-you-can-eat Churrasco-style dinner. Flip your card to green for more and red when you’ve fallen into a meat coma and can’t get up. Another location is scheduled to open at Greenwood Park Mall in the summer.

The Langton's Irish Pub, opening late summer

Sister restaurant to Matt the Miller’s Tavern, The Langton’s Irish Pub will open in a space just south of the former in Carmel City Center. The casual dining restaurant will offer Irish and American cuisine, live entertainment and a one-of-a-kind bar made in Ireland.

Nine Irish Brothers, opening late April/early May

It won’t open in time for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, but the new restaurant scheduled to open at Millikan on Mass development this spring will offer traditional Irish fare, pub food and a wee bit of entertainment.

Outliers Brewing Company, opening in March

Currently operating as a production facility, Outliers Brewing Company will open for the public to start filling their growlers in March. A brewpub called The Owner’s Wife is expected to open next door later in the spring.

Kolache Factory, open since February

If you’ve never had a kolache, here’s another chance — and we seriously recommend that you do. The bakery offering Eastern European pastry rolls packed with sweet or savory fillings opened a second Indiana location in Carmel on Feb. 12.

Murphy's Steakhouse, open since February

After 37 years in business on Keystone Avenue, Murphy’s Steakhouse served its last meal on Valentine’s Day. But the restaurant didn’t close; it relocate to Pat Flynn’s Public House space — it’s a long story.

The Tamale Place, open since January

The menu is limited, but the tamales are just as good as the original. The Tamale Place’s new location in City Market offers mild, spicy and dessert tamales as well as tacos and nachos. A third location is expected to open in at Stop 11 and US 31 in Greenwood in March.